Ughelli Kingdom refute claims of Ijaw origin

By Asakpa Ibobo

The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Evang. (Dr.) Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi, Oharisi III, JP, has officially denied statements allegedly made by the Governor of Bayelsa State,  His Excellency Governor Douye Diri, suggesting that the people of Ughelli Kingdom originate from the Ijaw ethnic group.

In a statement dated July 12, 2024, and issued on behalf of HRM Oharisi III and the Ilorogun of Ughelli Kingdom by Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure, Otota of Ughelli Kingdom, the monarch addressed a circulating video in which Governor Diri made the claim during a recent visit by former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, to the Brick House.

The statement emphasized that due to the significance of the individuals involved, the King had allowed ample time for a retraction from the Governor, which has not occurred.

“Because of the highly exalted positions of those involved, the King allowed enough time for a retraction of the statements credited to the Governor, relating to the Prime Minister of Ughelli, which unfortunately has not happened”, the statement said.

It continued: “The King of Ughelli wishes to state in very clear terms that: The Prime Minister of the Great Ughelli Kingdom is the Iyasere of the Kingdom.

“That the Iyasere of the Great Ughelli Kingdom joined our ancestors three years ago.

“That as of today, a new Iyasere has not been appointed in the Ughelli Kingdom.

“The Ovie of Ughelli and the Iloroguns are unaware of the interactions with the Prime Minister referred to by the Governor. For the records, the people of Ughelli by history, are not Ijaws and did not emanate from the Ijaw tribe. We live as good neighbours with the Ijaws as evidenced by part of the Ughelli Kingdom in Bayelsa State called Ughelli Urie.

“We, the Ovie of Ughelli and the Iloroguns of the Great Ughelli Kingdom refute the statements by the Governor made in the viral videos. The history of the Ughelli People is well documented and can be referred to in great libraries, and written literature.”

The statement further noted: “The Ovie of Great Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Evangelist, Dr. Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III JP+, in a meeting with the Iloroguns and community leaders on 7th July, countered the statements by the Governor and is pained by reference to the late Iyasere questionably.”